The Norwegian flag is a famous sight on 17 May, but there are also a number of other days of the year where the flag in red, white and blue decorates balconies and buildings.
In Norway, you can basically flag any day you want. It is common to fly the flag, for example, on occasions such as birthdays, confirmations, baptisms or other large parties.
However, is it mandatory to fly the flag on Liberation Day? And when do you get stares from the neighbors when you’ve forgotten to take down the flag in the evening? Here we answer what you need to know about the flag rules.
Facts about Norway’s flag:
The flag was designed by Storting representative Frederik Meltzer. It was adopted by the Storting on 13 July 1821.
It is also no coincidence that the flag was given the colors red, white and blue. Meltzer believed that the flag should have the colors of freedom, like the French, Dutch, American and British flags.
He also suggested that the flag should follow the Nordic tradition of a cross flag. The red flag with a white cross was to commemorate the union with Denmark, while the blue color was a gesture to the new union partner Sweden.
Source: Large Norwegian encyclopedia
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Who do the flag rules apply to?
Certain days are designated as official flag days, and on these days flagging is mandatory for public buildings and properties.
For private individuals, however, it is voluntary to fly the flag on these days. This means that you will not be fined or punished if the flag is not up on, for example, 1 May. If you choose to hang flags on these or other days of the year, however, some rules apply.
Flag times – when will the flag come down?
The main rule is that the flag must be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. Since the number of hours of daylight varies in Norway, the flag hours are based on which month and county we are in.
In the months March and through October the flag must not be raised before 8:00 a.m. in southern Norway. While in November through February it is the time of 09.00 that applies.
As mentioned, the flag must be taken down at sunset, but no later than 9 p.m. – if the sun sets after this.
In other words, the flag can be raised while it is dark, but never raised when it is dark.
In Northern Norway, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, separate rules apply in winter: From November through February the flag should preferably not be raised before 10:00 and not raised later than 15:00.
Flag rules for balcony flags
The same rules above regarding flag times also apply to balcony flags. When using a balcony flag, the flag must always fly freely. Nor should it touch the ground or other objects.
Balcony flags can be of different sizes, but the flag must always be visible from a distance and must not be so large that it blocks the view of the neighbours.
Public flag days in Norway:
January 1st: New Years Day
January 21: Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s birthday
6. February: Sami People’s Day
February 21: King Harald V’s birthday
1. May: Workers’ International Day of Struggle (public holiday)
8 . May: Liberation Day 1945
17 . May: Constitution Day
7 . June: The dissolution of the Union 1905
4. July: Queen Sonja’s birthday
20 . July: Haakon Magnus’ birthday
29 . July: Olsok Day
19 . August: Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s birthday
25 . December: Christmas Day
It is also flag day on Easter Sunday, Whitsun 1 and at parliamentary elections. These dates vary from year to year.
